a long forgotten U10's match report resurfaces

I have been going back through old documents and posts relating to the Cougars and came across this match report from 26th September 2009 when we would have been U10's... notable for a significant (and rare) victory over Churchdown Panthers. 

Not sure who the linesman was for this match?

Cougars 8 – Churchdown Panthers 1
(Goals:  Luca – 4; Conor – 2; Dan; Fergus)

The Cougars’ second game of the day saw them line up against Churchdown Panthers with Will in goal, George and Conor at the back, Harrison as centre midfield, Luca and Jacob on the flanks as Dan as central striker.

Within minutes of the match starting the Cougars were dominating possession, and the game was being played almost entirely in the Churchdown half.  Conor was pushed up to create an extra man in midfield, but despite creating a few good half chances, the Cougars were unable to force home their advantage, with a crowded pitch not helping their passing game.

The boys were finally rewarded for their pressure midway through the half when a corner was only half cleared, and the ball fell to Conor, who rifled home a low drive from the edge of the box to open his Cougars account.  With the pressure off, the Cougars settled into a better rhythm, and immediately from the kick-off won the ball, and strung together a four-man move culminating in Harrison sliding the ball through to Luca who beat the ‘keeper from close range.

The Cougars were now firmly in control, and another good passing move saw Luca double his tally after again being put through by Harrison.  Churchdown got a goal back when they won a free kick outside the Cougars box, and Will was unsighted as the dead ball was struck past him in a crowded penalty area.  However, the half finished with Cougars stretching their lead, as Dan latched onto a long clearance from George, and lobbed the ball over the onrushing Panthers keeper into an empty net.

Half time saw Dan and George take a breather, and Sam and Fergus come back into the action.   The game was more stretched in the second half, enabling the Cougars to find much more space going forward, with Sam and Luca spreading play well and linking up with Fergus as the central striker. Harrison was more dominant in the centre of midfield and was bossing the game, well supported by Jacob, with Conor there to snuff out any Churchdown attacks, and Will dependable at the back when called upon.

The fifth goal game from a good move down the left, with Luca’s accurate cross into the box finding Fergus in acres of space to slot home.  A number of other chances went begging before Luca completed his hat-trick with a fine right foot volley after more sustained pressure.  Harrison came off to be replaced by George, and Luca slotted home his fourth shortly afterwards, when he was found in the six yard box following a strong run and cross from Sam on the right.

The scoring finished as it started, with Conor showing excellent technique by smashing home another drive from outside the box following a corner clearance.  Luca was deservedly awarded the man-of-the-match for his four goals and overall performance, but with six boys on the scoresheet over the two games, the Cougars demonstrated their versatility in front of the net. 

The game also showed a much improved performance from the linesman, who had clearly mastered the art of flag-holding and waving after a poor first game.  His ability to keep up with play in a sustained, end-to-end game remains in doubt though, and clearly some work in the gym will be required before the next round of fixtures.